World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Lawrence C. Odell
Branch of Service
U.S. Marine Corps
Hometown
Nevada
Honored By
William Stegall
Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942 and spent four years fighting in World War II as a machine gunner in the South Pacific in the Second 155 Howitzer Battalion, whose record of six campaigns was not equaled in the Marine Corps. His unit was given the name "Forgotten Battalion." Served on front lines in Guadalcanal and Tulagi(1942-1943); Tarawa( Nov 20, 1943); Saipan(June 16, 1944 - July 9, 1944); Guam(July 21, 1944) and Iwo Jima(Feb 19, 1945). Honorably discharged January 1946. Received 4 Presidential Unit Citations, 2 Navy Unit Citations, Marine Good Conduct medal, American Theater medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater ribbon and medal with 5 bronze battle stars attachment. World War II Victory medal. WWII Honorable Service lapel button and Commemorative Presidential Unit Citation with ribbon honoring his service in combat theater.